This is AAPT's mentoring program for new and inexperienced high school physics
teachers, as well as experienced physics educators. The service is free for
all mentees and mentors that are AAPT members.

Since 1996, AAPT has sponsored programs to help new faculty at research and four-year and two-year institutions understand how to become more effective educators and support their quest to gain tenure.
Read more ».

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that the 2014 Paul Zitzewitz Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching Award winner is Gillian Winters, a New York State Master Teacher and high school physics teacher from St James, New York.

David Weintraub Named as Recipient of the 2015 Klopsteg Memorial Lecture Award

Mar 12 2015

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that David A. Weintraub of the Vanderbilt University Department of Physics and Astronomy, is the 2015 recipient of the Klopsteg Memorial Lecture Award.

2015 Millikan Medal Awarded to Robert Morse

Feb 25 2015

AAPT has announced that Robert A. Morse will receive the Robert A. Millikan Medal during the 2015 Summer Meeting in College Park, MD. This award recognizes educators who have made notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics.

Deflategate: A Challenge for Physics Teachers and Physics Students

Jan 28 2015

Unless you have been out of the country for the past few weeks, you certainly know that a major controversy has arisen concerning the purported under-inflation of footballs used in the January 18, 2015 American Football Conference championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. AAPT invites physics teachers and students to join in a crowd-sourcing challenge.

Recommendations for Undergraduate Physics Lab Curriculum

Jan 26 2015

The Laboratory Goals Subcommittee, a subcommittee of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Committee on Laboratories, has reviewed the state of the undergraduate physics laboratory curriculum and related physics education research on the physics laboratory and has made recommendations that foster the development of many key 21st century skills and competencies. Read the new recommendations.

American Institute of Physics CEO Search

Jan 26 2015

The American Institute of Physics is searching for a new CEO. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, visionary, and an innovative leader, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant senior executive level leadership experience.

Mary Elizabeth Mogge Becomes the 80th AAPT President

Special Resolution Vote at Membership Meeting

Jan 06 2015

At a special meeting of the AAPT membership attendees voted to approve a resolution to allow AAPT to base results of elections held electronically on an affirmative majority of those voting and to update AAPT ‘s Certificate of Incorporation to be in compliance with New York State law.

AAPT Announces Commitment to Expand College Access at White House Event

Dec 04 2014

AAPT, represented by Executive Officer, Beth A. Cunningham, joined President Obama, the First Lady, and Vice President Biden along with hundreds of college presidents and other higher education leaders to announce new actions to help more students prepare for and graduate from college.

Rush Holt to become CEO of AAAS

Nov 18 2014

Rush Holt, a physicist, educator, eight-term Democratic member of Congress, and Life Member of AAPT, has been named the new CEO of AAAS. During his years in congress, Holt has been a strong supporter of the U.S. Physics Team, making time to meet with team members during their training for the International Physics Olympiad.

Millie Dresselhaus wins the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Nov 17 2014

On November 11, the White House announced the 2014 recipients of the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor in the United States. Millie Dresselhaus, former recipient of the Oersted Medal, is among the diverse group of recipients who are recognized for making "extraordinary contributions to our country and the world." Millie will be honored in a White House ceremony with other luminaries, including Isabel Allende, Tom Brokaw, Ethel Kennedy, Meryl Streep, and Stevie Wonder, on November 24.

Diodes: Articles for Physics Educators

AAPT Presents "Her Stories"

Oct 08 2014

This new video produced by AAPT, APS, and SPS shares the stories and words of wisdom and encouragement from many women in physics from around the world. Feel free to distributed the video to your colleagues and women who are considering a career in physics. Click the read more link below to view the video.

Karl Mamola Named as 2015 Oersted Medal Recipient

Sep 16 2014

Karl C. Mamola has been named as the 2015 recipient of the prestigious Oersted Medal, presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The medal will be awarded at a Ceremonial Session of the 2015 AAPT Winter Meeting in San Diego, California, in recognition of his significant contributions to physics education through his roles as editor of The Physics Teacher and as mentor for students, prospective authors, column editors, reviewers, and others.

New Associate Editor for Resource Letters Sought

Sep 05 2014

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) is searching for a new Resource Letters Editor to begin duties following the Winter 2015 AAPT meeting in San Diego. Applications and nominations should be sent to Jan Tobochnik at jant@kzoo.edu. Applications should include a cover letter, a cv, and the names and email addresses of three references. Applications will receive full consideration if received by October 15, 2014.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that the Melba Newell Phillips Medal has been awarded to Thomas L. O'Kuma, Physics Faculty, Lee College, Baytown, Texas, in recognition of his creative leadership and dedicated service that have resulted in exceptional contributions within AAPT.

AAPT Appoints New eMentor Co-Coordinators

Aug 29 2014

Danielle Spaete and Rebecca Vieyra have agreed to serve as eMentor Co-Coodinators starting in September. Both have many years of experience teaching high school physics. In addition, both have been active in AAPT, PTRA, and as mentors. Al Thompson has served as the first eMentor Coordinator since the start of the program in 2011. We thank Al for his leadership and welcome Danielle and Rebecca in their new roles.

2014 AAPT Executive Board Election

Aug 26 2014

The election of officers for the AAPT Executive Board will take place between September 17 and November 4. Members will receive instruction through email or, if no email is on file, through the mail to help you vote electronically. Those elected will take office at the close of the 2015 Winter Meeting.

The International Commission on Physics Education has announced that the winner of the 2014 ICPE Medal for outstanding contributions to physics education is Professor Cedric Linder of Uppsala University, Sweden.

The award recognizes Professor Linder's outstanding contributions to physics education research. His work has been notable for its range, depth and impact, as well for its international scope. Through his work Cedric Linder has helped to change the way in which physics is taught by enabling colleagues to appreciate the learning experience of students. He has influenced lives by opening up physics to many disadvantaged students, and he has added new theoretical insights and methodological approaches to the practice of physics education research.

The full citation for Professor Linder is available (click read more below).

High School Physics Textbooks, Resources and Teacher Resourcefulness

2014 U.S. Physics Team Scores Five Medals in Astana, Kazakhstan

Jul 21 2014

The top U.S. physics students scored three gold medals and two silver medals at the 45th International Physics Olympiad (IPHO), held this year from July 13 - 21 in Astana, Kazakhstan where the best high school physics students from 86 countries competed.

US Physics Team is at IPHO 2014

Journal Serivce Impact Notice

Jun 30 2014

During the period July1-10, AIPP will be migrating to a new service provider. Since AIPP is the provider for access to American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher, members and institutions may notice some problem with impacted features. New members and institutions will not be able to access the journals until July 11.

2014 U.S. Physics Team Travelers Selected

Jun 06 2014

Five students have been selected to represent the U.S. Physics Team as the 2014 Traveling Team at the 45th International Physics Olympiad, a competition among high-school physics students, to be held July 13 - 21, 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

AAPT PhysicsBowl Results

AAPT Congratulates Dr. Eric Mazur

May 20 2014

The Minerva Project has announced that the first Minerva Prize for Advancements in Education--which comes with a $500K check--will be awarded to Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics and Area Dean for Applied Physics at Harvard University. An AAPT member, Dr. Mazur is well know to our members and New Faculty Workshop attendees.

2014 US Physics Team Announced

May 19 2014

Nineteen students from across the U.S. have emerged through a rigorous exam process that began last January with approximately 4,277 students who participated in the Fnet=ma exam to become the 2014 U.S. Physics Team.

May 5-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week

May 05 2014

Teacher Appreciation Week is a nationally celebrated event that honors teachers who make a difference for kids every day.

You can participate by sharing a photo and thank you note that honors your "best teacher ever." It could be a family member, a friend, or a teacher they had as a child. Upon submission, you will receive a stamped photo in return to share with their networks and with the teacher they honored. Teach for America will compile these testimonials into a powerful visual quilt on their website and roll the stories up into a final video: the world's largest thank you card for teachers.

AAPT is offering a special Teacher Appreciation Week discount in The Physics Store. Simply click "Enter Vouchers" before you check out, enter the Promotion Code, TAP14, and save 10 percent on your total order.

AAPT Events for Physics Day at Six Flags

May 02 2014

Physics is fundamental to understanding how amusement park rides operate. As a participating sponsor of Physics Day at Six Flags in Maryland, AAPT provides volunteers, and holds events that support student learning. The 2014 Physics Day at Six Flags is Friday, May 2.

Remembering John D. FitzGibbons

Apr 30 2014

The national office of AAPT joins the New York section of AAPT in mourning the death of John D. FitzGibbons. John was an active member of the New York section of AAPT and a Physics Teaching Resource Agent.

PhysTEC Project is Soliciting Proposals for New Sites

Apr 10 2014

The Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) project is soliciting proposals for new sites. There will be an interactive webinar on the PhysTEC solicitation at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 22. To register for the webinar, view it at a later time or find proposal information, go to www.phystec.org/solicitation.

Initial comprehensive site proposals are due May 12; full proposals (if invited) will be due September 8; and funding begins August 2015.

Recruiting grants are also available. Proposals are due June 5, with funding to begin September 2014.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that the 2014 Paul Zitzewitz Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching Award winner is Bradford Hill, a high school physics teacher from Beaverton, Oregon.

2014 Millikan Medal Awarded to Eugenia Etkina

AAPT announces the 2014 Klopsteg Memorial Lecture Award recipient

Feb 19 2014

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Donald W. Olson is the 2014 recipient of the Klopsteg Memorial Lecture Award. This award recognizes educators who have made notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics. The lecture and award will be presented during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Minneapolis, MN.

AAPT announces the 2014 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award Winners

Feb 07 2014

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood will share the 2014 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching.

Remembering Dr. Robert Resnick

Feb 03 2014

AAPT joins Rensselear Polytechnic Insitute, the physics community, and the family in mourning the death of Dr. Robert Resnick. Dr. Resnick was the 1974 recipient of the Oersted Medal and served as President of AAPT from 1986-87 and 1988-89.

Physics Education Week January 4-11, 2014 in Florida

50th Anniversary of JFK Assassination

Nov 18 2013

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, AAPT is making Nobel Laureate Luis W. Alvarez's report, "A physicist examines the Kennedy assassination film," about the physics of the Zapruder film freely available to the public.

AAPT congratulates Steven Pollock and Gintaras Duda

Nov 15 2013

AAPT congratulates Steven Pollock, Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor of the Year and Gintaras Duda, Outstanding Master's Universities and Colleges Professor of the Year. Sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and administered by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the awards recognize professors for their influence on teaching and commitment to undergraduate students.

AAPT Announces the Results of the 2013 Executive Board Election

Nov 06 2013

The AAPT membership has elected the following to serve on the AAPT Executive Board:
for President: Steve Iona
for Vice-President: Janelle Bailey
for Treasurer: Steve Turley
for HS Representative: Jan Mader

New Scitation platform launching soon - Your current American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher Table of Content alerts will be suspended!

Oct 08 2013

The new and improved Scitation platform will launch soon. This change will require you to re-register for Table of Content alerts for this and other publications. In addition to standard TOC alerts, you will also be able to sign up for Topic-specific alerts to stay up-to-date with the latest research in your fields of interest. Complete details on the new Scitation and instructions on how to sign up will be coming soon.

Dean Zollman Named as 2014 Oersted Medal Recipient

Sep 30 2013

Dean Zollman has been named as the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Oersted Medal, presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

Remembering Mary Beth Monroe

2013 AAPT Executive Board Election

Sep 10 2013

The election of officers for the AAPT Executive Board will take place between September 17 and November 4. With the opening in the AAPT presidential chain created by the passing of AAPT President Elect Mary Beth Monroe, the Executive Board authorized the Nominating Committee to find candidates for a special election to fill the position of President. Members will receive instruction through email or, if no email is on file, through the mail to help you vote electronically. Those elected will take office at the close of the 2014 Winter Meeting.

Remembering Mary Beth Monroe

2013 US Physics Team Scores Five Medals in Copenhagen

Jul 14 2013

The top US physics students scored three gold medals and two silver medals at the 44th International Physics Olympiad (IPHO), held this year from July 7 - 15 in Copenhagen Denmark where the best high school physics students from 83 countries competed.

Travelers Selected to Represent the U.S. Physics Team at the 2013 International Physics Olympiad

Jun 07 2013

Five students have been selected to represent the U.S. Physics Team as the 2013 Traveling Team at the 44th International Physics Olympiad, a competition among high-school physics students, to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from July 7 to 15.

Gary White to Become Next Editor of The Physics Teacher

May 20 2013

AAPT has announced the appointment of Gary Dane White as the new editor for The Physics Teacher (TPT). White, currently on leave from the American Institute of Physics as a program director at the National Science Foundation, will start as the new TPT editor on August 1, 2013.

2012 Barbara Lotze Scholarship Winners

Intel ISEF 2013 Special Award Organization Winners Announced May 16

May 17 2013

The Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced the Special Award Organization winners of the Intel ISEF 2013. Student winners are ninth through twelfth graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2013 by winning a top prize at a local, regional, state or national science fair. See the AAPT/APS winners by clicking on the link "Special Award Organization Winners" at the website www.societyforscience.org/isef/.

Top High School Physics Students Qualify for the 2013 U.S. Physics Team

May 10 2013

When it comes to physics, the United States still trains some of the world's best high school physics students. Those students comprising the 2013 U.S. Physics Team will be training and competing in College Park, MD, next month as they prepare for the 44th International Physics Olympiad this July in Copenhagen, Denmark.

PhysTEC Addresses Shortage of Physics Teachers

May 14 2013

The PhysTEC program was highlighted in the FY 2014 National Science Foundation Budget Request to Congress. The program is recognized for the success of member institutions that graduate about 300 high-school physics teachers per year, addressing a significant fraction of the growing national need for 1400 new physics teachers per year. See page 14 in the document linked below.

Physics lesson from CERN by Andrew Vanden Heuvel using Google Glass

In Memoriam - Paul William Zitzewitz

May 07 2013

AAPT joins the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Michigan Section of AAPT in honoring the lifetime contributions of Paul W. Zitzewitz to the physics education community, the Dearborn arts community and his family.

Bob Powell Named as Recipient of the 2013 Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT

In Memoriam - John S. Risley

Apr 12 2013

AAPT joins the North Carolina Section and the employees of WebAssign in this recognition of John Risley
who passed away at home after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer for 6 months. He joined the physics
faculty at North Carolina State University in 1976 and spent the first part of his career doing research in atomic
physics and the second part of his career in physics education.

AAPT has announced that Daniel H. Phelps will receive the association's Homer L. Dodge Citation
for Distinguished Service to AAPT during the 2013 Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon.Phelps is a
retired physics teacher, having taught physics at the University of British Columbia,
St. Georges School and Columbia College.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today
that the 2013 Paul Zitzewitz Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching
Award winner is Thomas F. Haff, a high school physics teacher from
Seattle, Washington. This award is in recognition of contributions
to pre-college physics teaching and awardees are chosen for their
extraordinary accomplishments in communicating the excitement of
physics to their students. The award will be presented
during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon.

Michael Jackson Recognized with AAPT 2013 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching

Mar 01 2013

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today
Michael Jackson is the recipient of 2013 David Halliday and Robert Resnick
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching. This award is given
in recognition of contributions to undergraduate physics teaching and
awardees are chosen for their extraordinary accomplishments in communicating
the excitement of physics to their students. The award will be presented
during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon.

The Melba Newell Phillips Medal has been awarded to Lillian C. McDermott,
Ph.D., Professor of Physics at the University of Washington, in recognition
of her creative leadership and dedicated service that have resulted in
exceptional contributions within AAPT. The Medal will be presented
during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon.

Harvey Gould Named as Recipient of the 2013 Robert A. Millikan Medal

Feb 15 2013

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Harvey Gould
is the 2013 recipient of the Robert A. Millikan Medal. This award recognizes educators who have
made notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics. The Medal will be presented
during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon.

Gay Stewart is New AAPT President

Research Media LTD is Europe's leading portal for scientific dissemination.
In the interview she describes the Association's latest initiatives to engage the
next generation and to promote physics as well as other science disciplines to all.

AAPT/ComPADRE Website Selected for Link Award

Dec 17 2012

"The Physics Front" has been selected as the Linksgiving.com "Weekly Link Award" winner
for the week of December 16 - 22, 2012. Online since 2001, Linksgiving.com is a high
quality directory of user-submitted links to the most interesting and useful Web sites (in English,
German and Italian language).

Click here for a the listing at
Linksgiving.com. Description: Provides high quality resources tailored for the teaching of high school physics
and physical sciences.

Former AAPT President, David M. Cook has been elected a Fellow of APS

Nov 12 2012

The criterion for election is exceptional contributions to the physics
enterprise; e.g., outstanding physics research, important applications of physics,
leadership in or service to physics, or significant contributions to physics education.
Fellowship is a distinct honor signifying recognition by one's professional peers. Congratulations, David.

Announcing the 2012/13 AAPT National Election Results

Nov 06 2012

We offer congratulations to the following:
Mary Mogge, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, has been elected as Vice President.
Wolfgang Christian, Davidson College, has been elected as Secretary.
Aaron Titus, High Point University, has been elected as At-Large Four-Year College Representative.
They will join the AAPT Executive Board following the Winter Meeting 2013 in New Orleans, LA.

Franklin Miller Jr., October 4, 2012

Oct 09 2012

AAPT joins the Ohio Section and Kenyon College in mourning the passing of Franklin Miller Jr.
He received the 1970 Millikan Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers for "creative
teaching of physics".

2012 Request for PhysTEC Sites

Oct 01 2012

The Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) is requesting proposals for new sites.
The deadline for submitting an initial proposal is October 26. The Request for Proposals (RFP)
is available at www.phystec.org/solicitation.

2013 Oersted Medal Recipient Announced

AAPT Announces Candidates for 2012 Executive Board Election

Aug 27 2012

The 2012 AAPT Executive Board election is scheduled to begin on September 17.
Candidate information will be included with emails sent to members but you can
review them in advance.
This is an electronic election. If you don't currently have an email address in your
record, please add it as soon as possible so you can receive notification by email.

Call for Editor: The Physics Teacher

Aug 22 2012

AAPT invites applications, inquires, and nominations for the position of Editor of
The Physics Teacher (TPT), with an appointment to begin in the summer 2013. TPT is a
prestigious journal/magazine dedicated to the advancement of physics teaching at the high
school and introductory college/university levels. The editor has full responsibility for the content of the journal.

Winners of the AAPT Apparatus Competition Announced

Winners of the AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest Announced

Aug 08 2012

The winners of the 2012 AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest were announced at the AAPT
summer meeting in Philadelphia. First, Second, and Third place winners as well as an Honorable Mention for
both natural and contrived catagories have been selected. The winners
and top 100 photos have been posted on AAPT's
website.

AAPT Plenary Speaker Named as Recipient of Fundamental Physics Prize

Aug 03 2012

Nima Arkani Hamad, was already scheduled to talk on "Space-Time,
Quantum Mechanics, and the Large Hadron Collider" when he received
word that he was one of 9 recipients to share the $27 million
Fundamental Physics Prize, established by Yuri Milner. Attendees
at the AAPT Summer Meeting were spreading the news as they gathered
to meet the $3,000,000 prize winner. The New York Times had this to say.
The Atlantic had this to say. Click below for the Philadelphia Inquirer article.

July 29 - August 4, 2012 is "Physics Education Week" in Pennsylvania

Jul 27 2012

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed July 29-August 4, 2012
Physics Education Week. AAPT members and physics educators from around the
world will meet in Philadelphia during the week to "advance and enhance our
quality of life" through physics education.

USA Wins 3 gold and 2 silvers at IPhO

Jul 23 2012

Eric Schneider,
Allan Sadun,
and Kevin Zhou earned gold medals
Jeffrey Cai,
and Jeffrey Yan
earned silver medals at the 2012 International Physics Olympiad in Estonia. China and Taiwan
tied for first place with 5 gold medals, Singapore was second
with 4 gold Medals, the USA, Korea, and Russia tied with 3 gold and 2 silver.

Physicist named senior editor of prestigious journal

Jul 16 2012

AAPT member, Dr. Charles Henderson has been appointed senior editor of the journal, "Physical Review Special Topics-Physics Education Research."
This is the top international journal in the field of physics education research. Henderson is associate professor of physics and science
education at Western Michigan University.

Traveling Team Selected to Represent the U.S. Physics Team at the 2012 International Physics Olympiad

Jun 13 2012

Five students have been selected to represent the U.S. Physics Team as the 2012 Traveling Team
at the 43rd International Physics Olympiad, a competition among high-school physics students, to
be held in Estonia, from July 15 to 24.

Transit of Venus

Jun 04 2012

For most living humans June 5, 2012 will be their last chance to see Venus cross in front of the Sun,
to share the fascination felt by astronomers in past centuries, and to appreciate their observations and measurements.
It is also an occasion to organize public viewings and to participate in international projects to publicize, view,
and measure the transit.

Public Review: Next Generation Science Standards

May 21 2012

The Next Generation Science Standards by Achieve have been released for public review. The development of these standards is the first step towards more uniform standards in science. The public will only have three weeks to provide feedback on the NGSS.
Achieve has a formal survey to complete by June 1st . If you are interested in preparing your responses before actually going to the survey, a PDF version of the survey is available.
The survey is arranged so that you can provide feedback on all aspects of the standards - science & engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, as well as core disciplinary content - and also on different grades and grade bands.

2012 AAPT Summer Meeting

May 09 2012

AAPT is pleased to announce that registration for the 2012 AAPT Summer Meeting in Philadelphia, PA is now open. Early Bird registration ends June 4th.
Reserve your room now! Group rate ends July 3rd.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that the 2012 Paul Zitzewitz Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching Award winner is Mark D. Greenman, a retired high school math and science teacher from Swampscott, MA. This award is in recognition of contributions to pre-college physics teaching and awardees are chosen for their extraordinary accomplishments in communicating the excitement of physics to their students.

Kevin Lee Recognized with AAPT 2012 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching

Apr 04 2012

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today Kevin Michael Lee is the recipient of 2012 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching Award. This award is given in recognition of contributions to undergraduate physics teaching and awardees are chosen for their extraordinary accomplishments in communicating the excitement of physics to their students. John Wiley & Sons is the principal source of funding for this award, through its donation to the AAPT.

Phillip Sadler Named as Recipient of the 2012 Robert A. Millikan Medal

Apr 02 2012

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Philip M. Sadler is the 2012 recipient of the Robert A. Millikan Medal. This award recognizes educators who have made notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics. The Medal will be presented during the AAPT Summer Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

AAPT Joins AIP Discussion on Physics Issues

Mar 26 2012

Just as efforts to increase the number of Physics Bachelor's degrees, through programs such as SPIN-UP and New Physics and Astronomy Faculty Workshops, are proving effective (up more than 2,000 degrees since 2001) several states, notably Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana, are implementing plans to cancel undergraduate degree programs in departments that graduate small numbers of majors. AAPT is playing an active role in increasing awareness of the implications of these state actions.

2012 Vernal Equinox

Mar 20 2012

The vernal equinox - the first day of spring - arrived today (March 20) at 05:14 Universal Time, or 1:14 a.m. EDT. This year spring will make its earliest arrival since the late 19th century: 1896, to be exact.

Galileo Galilei

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

Feb 14 2012

AAAS and NSF are organizing a series of events to provide information about submitting a proposal to the NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. These include:
a day-long workshop on February 21 in Washington, DC at AAAS headquarters
and two 90-minute webinars (3:00pm-4:30pm ET) on February 15 and 16.

NRC Webinar on the Science Framework Feb. 21

Feb 10 2012

A National Academies' panel will explore the framework and dimensions during a webinar on "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

Jill A. Marshall Assumes AAPT Presidential Mantle

Feb 08 2012

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has announced that Jill, A. Marshall, Ph.D. has assumed the role of AAPT President. Marshall, an associate professor in the Science and Mathematics Education group and Graduate Studies Committee Chair at the University of Texas, will serve as President in 2012, and Past President in 2013.

New Report on Undergraduate STEM Education Recognized New faculty Workshop

Feb 08 2012

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology released a report today on undergraduate STEM education. One of the report's recommendations (1-1) focuses on STEM faculty workshops and recognizes (page 19) the Physics and Astronomy New Faculty Workshop, sponsored by AAPT/APS/AAS, as an example of how to train college and university faculty in enhanced teaching methods.

AAPT 2012 Election Results

* Two-Year College Member at Large -- Paul Williams, Austin Community College, Austin, TX

* Treasurer -- Paul Zitzewitz, University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI

They will begin their terms following the AAPT Winter Meeting, February 9, 2012. Please join us in welcoming them to the Board!

Important AAPT Dates and Deadlines

Oct 28 2011

The registration for the 2012 F=MA Contest will open on November 1, 2011.

The registration for the Physics Bowl Contest will open on December 1, 2011.

December 1 is the application deadline for the following scholarships and grants:-The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment for the Support of Physics Teaching (Bauder Fund)-Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers-The High School Physics Teacher Grant

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Brian Greene, Ph.D., has been selected to receive The Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award. Greene, is recognized with the Award for outstanding contributions to physics and effectively communicating those contributions to physics educators.

AAPT Named Kip Thorne as the 2012 John David Jackson Excellence in Graduate Physics Education Awardee

Oct 17 2011

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that the 2012 AAPT John David Jackson Excellence in Graduate Physics Education Award winner is Kip Thorne. This prestigious award will be presented to Thorne at a Ceremonial Session of the 2012 AAPT Winter Meeting at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA.

Charles H. Holbrow Named as 2012 Oersted Medal Recipient

Oct 05 2011

For more than forty years Charles H. Holbrow has made significant and innovative contributions to physics education and physics research. The Oersted Medal, presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), recognizes these contributions by naming him as the 2012 recipient of this prestigious Medal.

2011 Nobel Physics Prize

Saul Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt, and Adam Reiss share the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe through observations of distant supernovae.

The American Institute of Physics has made available free of charge a selection of research papers by these Nobel Laureates. To view any of these materials go to http://journals.aip.org/Nobel2011.html.

The American Physical Society (APS), in coordination with the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the APS Forum on Education (APS FEd), is conducting a search for a successor to the current Editor of Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research (PRST-PER).

The initial appointment is for three years with renewal possible after review. Salary is negotiable. The desired starting date is 1 January 2012. The APS is an equal employment opportunity employer and specially encourages applications from or nominations of women and minorities. The search is not limited to residents of the United States. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be sent by 15 November 2011 to: Paula Heron, Search Committee Chair, edsearch-per@aps.org.

AAPT Joins "100Kin10" Movement

Sep 28 2011

AAPT has joined a growing multi-sector movement currently composed of more than 80 partners committed to working to recruit, develop, and retain 100,000 excellent STEM teachers over the coming 10 years. The movement is being led by Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Opportunity Equation.

AAPT Recognized with GuideStar's Exchange Seal

Announcement Out of CERN

Sep 26 2011

A major physics announcement out of CERN was broadcast on September 23. The OPERA experiment at Gran Sasso has detected neutrinos that may travel faster than the speed of light. This may be one of the most important and surprising physics developments in over a hundred years. For more see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15017484.

Robert Beichner Named as a Winner of the 2011 McGraw Prize in Education

The 2011 winners are being honored for pioneering digital education approaches. As part of the award Beichner collaborated with the other prize winners, Mitchel Resnick and Julie Young, to author a white paper citing how education technology can cultivate human connections. With an introduction by Dr. Steven Paine, vice president of CTB/McGraw-Hill and the former State Superintendent of Schools in West Virginia, the paper draws on the collective insights and perspectives of the Prize winners spanning across elementary, secondary and post-secondary education.

9/11 from a Science Perspective

Sep 09 2011

A few months after September 11, 2001 the Director of the National Science Foundation, Rita Colwell, delivered a speech to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars entitled "Science: Before and After September 11".

AAPT National Election

Sep 06 2011

The election of officers for Executive Board service beginning in 2012 will begin on September 19, 2011. Instructions on how to access the ballot and vote in this electronic election will arrive via your email box. If you don't have an email address, watch the mail for instructions on how to vote electronically! The candidate information is now online.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) announced today that Robert "Bob" C. Hilborn, Ph.D., has joined the National Office as Associate Executive Officer. In this role, Dr. Hilborn will work closely with Dr. Beth Cunningham, Executive Officer, to support AAPT's educational programs.

US Team Scores Five Medals at the 42nd International Physics Olympiad

Jul 17 2011

The traveling members of the US Physics team competed with 393 of the most talented young physicists on the global stage, representing 84 countries, during the 42nd International Physics Olympiad and they brought home two gold and three silver medals. The Olympiad, held July 10-17, was sponsored by the Promotion of Academic Olympiads and Development of Science Education Foundation (POSN), under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, and Chulalongkorn University (CU), in Bangkok, Thailand.

Intersociety Letter to Key Lawmakers

Jul 13 2011

AAPT joined over 140 organizations and universities in signing a AAAS letter that went to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee urging "strong support for the federal research and development budget of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and its mission to advance research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, research that has fueled American economic growth for decades." Copies were also sent to all members of the House Appropriations Committee.

David P. Jackson, to Become Next Editor of the American Journal of Physics

Search for Associate Executive Officer

Jun 20 2011

AAPT is currently advertising for an Associate Executive Officer. The candidate will be involved with many aspects of AAPT including many of the grant funded programs (the New Faculty Workshop, ComPADRE, PhysTEC, etc.), monitoring state and federal policies that affect STEM education to alert membership about important legislation, communicating with appropriate bodies about AAPT's priorities on education issues, raising funds for existing and new programs, serving as AAPT's representative to other science and education associations as well as a number of other responsibilities. The position description is available on the AAPT Careers website.

Enrico Fermi Time Capsule Opened

Jun 06 2011

In 1949 Enrico Fermi was asked to select items for a time capsule. The capsule was housed in the Research Institute at University of Chicago where Fermi worked after World War II. The time capsule has now been opened. Can you guess what was found inside the capsule?

2011 US Physics Team Travelers

May 30 2011

The 2011 US Physics Team Travelers were announced as training camp came to an end. The team members who will represent the team in Bangkok, Thailand at the 42nd International Physics Olympiad are Lucy Chen, Andrew Das Sarma, Ante Qu, Eric Spieglan, and Brian Zhang with coaches Paul Stanley and Warren Turner. Read the press release.

2011 PhysicsBowl Winners

AAPT/APS Students Are Intel ISEF 2011 Grand Award Winners

May 13 2011

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is the world's largest international pre-college celebration of science. The 2011 Fair was held in Los Angeles and included 1,543 student Finalists who competed for over $4 million in total awards. The Finalists came from affiliate fairs in 65 countries, regions, and territories. AAPT and APS have been active participants in ISEF for many years, sponsoring prizes and providing judges.

The AAPT/APS First Place Winner, Yimeng Shi from Beijing, China, and Honorable Mention Awardee, Benjamin Mathias Clark from Millersville, PA, were also Grand Prize Winners in this year's fair.

The American Physical Society announced that the AAPT Physics Teaching Resource Agents Program has been awarded the 2011 Excellence in Physics Education Award. George Amann, Lawrence Bader, Robert Clark, Jan Mader, Karen Jo Matsler, and Jim Nelson have been invited to represent PTRA and receive the award during the April 2011 APS meeting.

AAPT Letter to US Senators in Support of Science Education Funding

Mar 01 2011

AAPT joined other leaders in the scientific community in writing a letter of opposition to the House continuing resolution for FY2011 (H.R. 1) that would make deep cuts to the budgets of science agencies. AAPT members are urged to take action by contacting their Congressional representatives.

Zitzewitz Endows Excellence in Pre-college Teaching Award

Feb 09 2011

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has announced that an endowment has been established for the Excellence in Pre-college Teaching Award through a generous gift from Paul W. and Barbara S. Zitzewitz.

David Sokoloff Assumes AAPT Presidential Mantle

Jan 25 2011

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has announced that David R. Sokoloff, Ph.D. has assumed the role of AAPT President. Sokoloff, Professor of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, will serve as President in 2011, and Past President in 2012.

Dr. Cunningham was introduced by former President, Lila Adair, at the beginning of the first plenary session of the 2011 Winter meeting. The full text of Dr. Cunningham's remarks is addressed to all AAPT members.

Revisions to AAPT's Governance

The AAPT-ALPha Award

This award was established to recognize outstanding work in the development of an advanced laboratory apparatus/experiment by an undergraduate physics student at his/her home institution within the greater United States. Click here to learn more or apply.

Next Generation Science Standards

AAPT's letter of support for the Next Generation Science Standards can be found here.

Physics Program Review Project

In order to assist physics programs that are planning a review, AAPT maintains a list of reviewers whose name will be supplied
to institutions submitting requests. To learn more »

Student Recognition Programs

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